How often should a senior dog see the vet?

Most veterinary guidelines recommend moving senior dogs to twice-yearly wellness exams rather than the annual schedule typical for younger adults. The reasoning is that a dog's health can change significantly over six months in the senior years, and early detection of kidney disease, heart disease, dental problems, or other age-related conditions is much more manageable than late-stage treatment.

Is it normal for older dogs to sleep more?

Yes -- increased sleep is a normal part of aging in dogs. However, there's a difference between sleeping more and seeming lethargic, unresponsive, or unable to settle. If your dog is sleeping heavily but still engages readily when awake and maintains their appetite, that's usually normal aging. Persistent lethargy, difficulty getting up, or loss of interest in things they used to enjoy warrants a vet check.

My senior dog seems confused sometimes -- is this dementia?

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is a real condition that can look like confusion, disorientation, or changes in personality or sleep habits. It's worth discussing with your vet if these signs are appearing, since there are treatment and management options available. A vet visit can also rule out other medical causes of behavior change, such as pain, vision or hearing loss, or an underlying illness.

Can I give my senior dog joint supplements without asking my vet?

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are widely used for dog joint support and are generally considered safe, but it's still worth mentioning them to your vet before starting -- particularly because some senior dogs are on other medications that could interact, and because a vet exam can help determine whether arthritis is the likely cause of any stiffness you're seeing.

What is the difference between a senior dog and a geriatric dog?

These terms are used differently by different sources, but broadly: 'senior' refers to the early-to-mid phase of a dog's older years (roughly the last 25-30% of expected lifespan), while 'geriatric' is sometimes used for dogs in the final phase of life. For practical purposes, the care principles are similar -- closer monitoring, more frequent vet visits, and attention to comfort and quality of life -- with geriatric care often placing more emphasis on comfort management.

Senior Dog Care Guide | PetCalculator

Aging dogs need more than adjusted calories -- their joints, teeth, cognition, and overall health all shift with age. Here is what to watch for and how to support your dog through their senior years.